Punishment For Theft Charges And Theft Cases That A Theft Lawyer Handles
It can be a small item, such as a piece of candy, or a large item, like an airplane. Immovable property is all other property, like land or a home. The seriousness of the theft depends on the value of the things taken, or whether you were a part of an organized theft network. A theft lawyer is someone who specializes in cases such as theft charges.
Theft only requires that you take a property belonging to someone with the intent to permanently deprive that person of that property. It doesn’t matter whether the item is small or large.Â
However, theft of certain items, such as vehicles, has harsher penalties.
Punishment for Theft
Theft charges in the United States, are graded from the least serious to the most. The smallest least serious is Disorderly Person charges and can be resolved in the local Municipal Court, while the more serious theft charges range from Fourth Degree to Second Degree Theft. Criminal Theft charges are going to be handled in the court for the county during which the crime occurred. A theft lawyer will help his client understand all of the legal procedures during the case.
Disorderly Person’s Theft
If you’re convicted of taking less than 200 dollars in value of the property, from another, without permission or if you’re planning to, then you’re guilty of a disorderly person’s offense. This is often petty theft and is punishable by up to six months in jail, and up to a $1,000 fine.
Fourth Degree Theft
If you’re convicted of taking property with a value of $200, but lower than $500, then you’re guilty of a Fourth Degree Crime, which is punishable by up to a $10,000 fine, and up to 18 months in prison.
Third Degree Theft
If you’re convicted of taking property with a value of $500, but lower than $75,000, then you’re guilty of a Third-Degree Crime, which can lead to sentences of up to $15,000 fine, and up to three to five years in prison.
Second Degree Theft: If you’re convicted of taking property with a value of $500, but lower than $75,000, then you’re guilty of a Second-Degree Crime, which can lead to sentences of up to $100,000 fine, and up to five to ten years in prison. Second Degree Theft is typically related to embezzlement of entrusted funds, money laundering, taking trade secrets, and being a part of an organized theft network.
Other Types Of Robbery Charges
Theft Charges
Besides theft by unlawful taking, if you knowingly take the property of another, there are other crimes you’ll be charged with.
Shoplifting: besides a theft charge, you’ll even be charged with shoplifting, if you took property that is offered purchasable by a merchant. A conviction for shoplifting would require a term of community service and will land you a compulsory jail sentence if you’re a repeat offender.
Robbery
Robbery is the type of crime that involves an act of taking something or anyone’s property through the use or threat of force. In common law definition, robbery is referred to taking someone’s property, with the intent of permanently depriving the owner of his property through force or fear. Robbery is differentiated from other types of theft crimes due to its violent nature. Other theft crimes are tried as misdemeanors but robbery is considered a felony. Armed robbery uses weapons during the act of the crime. Highway robbery is also referred to as mugging. This type of robbery occurs in streets, parking lots, or sidewalks.
Embezzlement
Embezzlement is another theft crime that involves withholding property or assets to whom those things were entrusted. The victim in this case trusted his or her property to the perpetrator. Embezzlement is financial fraud. An example is if a lawyer was tasked by clients to handle their trust funds. However, the fund manager took the money entrusted and transferred the money for his gain. The crime committed in this scenario is embezzlement. Another scenario would be either be a wife or husband embezzling money from a joint bank account, shared with the spouse.
Other kinds of theft offenses involved different types of thievery crimes. Every crime has its brevity and nature which has its particular set of punishments. To understand and learn more about the law in every jurisdiction, defendants or people who need legal advice should seek a specialized theft lawyer with knowledge and experience in the criminal defense system.
Benari Law Group has decades of hands-on experience and a multipronged approach in using proven defense methods and tactics to help defendants. Benari Law Group is dedicated to upholding the 6th amendment and providing the defendant to have the right to competent counsel. At Benari Law Group, excellence is our only standard. We, Benari Law Group firm give personalized attention from our team. You’ll also have direct access to your attorney. You can contact Benari Law Group at 610-566-1006 or visit them at 142 Market St, West Chester, PA 19382.